Volleyball's signing class earns national honor

CULVER CITY, Calif. – A second recruiting cycle for University of Memphis head coach Sean Burdette and his staff, and a second national recognition for their efforts.

For a second year in a row, Burdette – along with associate coach Taylor Unroe and assistant coach/recruiting coordinator Alexa Wharton – have put together a class that has turned heads on the national volleyball landscape, including an Honorable Mention accolade from PrepVolleyball.com's Top 30 Recruiting Classes of 2020. The Tigers also earned recognition from PrepVolleyball.com for their 2019 class.

PrepVolleyball.com's signing class rankings are compiled by a network of more than 100 college coaches. The rankings factor in only incoming freshmen and do not include transfers, graduate transfers or international players.

"I am thrilled that our incoming class has been recognized by PrepVolleyball.com as one of the top recruiting classes in the country for the second year in a row," said Burdette, who enters his third season at the UofM this fall. "This class is extremely talented, and I have no doubt that this group will make a big impact and complement our roster perfectly."

The Memphis freshman class includes: Samantha Drewry, 5-11 OH, Chandler, Ariz. (Basha HS); Autumn Hamilton, 6-2 RS, Duluth, Ga. (North Gwinnett HS); Bailey Houlihan, 5-5 L, Naperville, Ill. (Neuqua HS); Addyson Huber, 6-2 OH, Erie, Colo. (Erie HS); and Lauren Robertson, 5-8 S, Memphis, Tenn. (Briarcrest Christian School).

The following are Burdette's comments on each of the five incoming freshmen that comprised the class which was ranked by PrepVolleyball.com:

"Loren, who helped lead Briarcrest to two state championships, was a two-time Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year nominee. She also was a finalist for both the PrepVolleyball National Senior Player of the Year award and Andi Collins Award, which is presented annually to the nation's best setter in high school. Loren is clearly well accomplished and also is a native Memphian! We know her competitive drive, knack for success, and love of Memphis will make an instant impact on our program.

"When we search for defensive and ball-control players, we look for exactly everything Bailey emulates. Bailey is the type of defender that will run through a brick wall just to keep the play alive. She's been recognized as an all-state player in Illinois, and her gritty ball control, leadership and high-level energy will be a huge back court advantage for us.

"Addyson is another big addition. She is a very physical player and will help us score points in our incredibly competitive conference. Addyson was an offensive force that helped her high school team to a historic state tournament appearance. I know her work ethic, positive mindset and big heart will be an major impact to our program.

"Autumn comes from a very successful club program, as well as from an NFL family, and she knows how much hard work and commitment it takes to be successful. Autumn was recognized as an AVCA Under Armor Watch List player and a Georgia Volleyball Coaches Association Senior All-Star recipient. She helped lead her high school team to a successful 20-win season. I am very excited about all the tools she brings to our offense.

"Sam Drewry is another well-accomplished and well-rounded player that will make an impact in many areas on the court. Some of her accolades include: Arizona state champion, MaxPreps.com All-American, The Arizona Republic's Volleyball Player of the Year nominee, The Arizona Republic's All-Arizona Team and PrepVolleyball Academic All-American third team. Sam works incredibly hard, is a fiery competitor and has great volleyball IQ. I can't wait to see her in the gym."

Miaya Smith, a transfer from Christian Brothers University, also will wear the Blue and Gray this fall. Smith joined the program in January and was enrolled at the UofM for the 2020 spring semester.

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